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Jarved Nine #1
Ravyn's Flight
A PASSIONATE JOURNEY
Ravyn Verdier was the communications specialist on a mission to test the habitability of Jarved Nine. Damon Brody was the commander sent to rescue her when the rest of her team was mysteriously killed. Trapped on a planet that harbored an unimaginable evil, they must depend on one another, trust each other explicitly.
An abandoned city held the key to their survival, but what they found behind its ancient walls defied all their preconceived notions, threatened all they held dear, and tested the very limits of the bond that had formed between them. To succeed, they would have to cast aside their doubts and listen to their hearts. For only when they were linked body and soul --- when they realized love was their greatest weapon --- would they be able to defeat the monstrous force bent on destroying all life.
Ravyn Verdier was the communications specialist on a mission to test the habitability of Jarved Nine. Damon Brody was the commander sent to rescue her when the rest of her team was mysteriously killed. Trapped on a planet that harbored an unimaginable evil, they must depend on one another, trust each other explicitly.
An abandoned city held the key to their survival, but what they found behind its ancient walls defied all their preconceived notions, threatened all they held dear, and tested the very limits of the bond that had formed between them. To succeed, they would have to cast aside their doubts and listen to their hearts. For only when they were linked body and soul --- when they realized love was their greatest weapon --- would they be able to defeat the monstrous force bent on destroying all life.
312 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2002
5 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Patti O'Shea
36 books116 followersNationally bestselling author Patti O'Shea has won numerous awards for her writing and been nominated for many more. Her books have appeared on the Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, and Borders bestseller lists and have earned starred reviews in prestigious publications such as Booklist.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews
January 24, 2018
Overly long, but I loved the plot.
It's a three star read for lots of reasons. Like instead of one of our MCs experiencing a moment of doubt or trepidation, they always go into full-on, panicked worst-case-scenario worrying. "She didn't smile back, she must hate me and want me dead! I'll just sacrifice myself!" Like...what? Also, when psychic aliens from a few eons ago record a message for Future You telling you that you need to do something, you should fucking do it, okay? I had issues with the MCs completely disregarding the instructions they've been given in order to survive. "They said we have to do this together or die, but I think you should stay here and let me handle this." Fucking suicidal idiot. And that so much time was spent trudging through the jungle or on mundane things that didn't really contribute to the story.
Buuut, I was still heavily engrossed and enjoyed the book quite a bit.
It's a three star read for lots of reasons. Like instead of one of our MCs experiencing a moment of doubt or trepidation, they always go into full-on, panicked worst-case-scenario worrying. "She didn't smile back, she must hate me and want me dead! I'll just sacrifice myself!" Like...what? Also, when psychic aliens from a few eons ago record a message for Future You telling you that you need to do something, you should fucking do it, okay? I had issues with the MCs completely disregarding the instructions they've been given in order to survive. "They said we have to do this together or die, but I think you should stay here and let me handle this." Fucking suicidal idiot. And that so much time was spent trudging through the jungle or on mundane things that didn't really contribute to the story.
Buuut, I was still heavily engrossed and enjoyed the book quite a bit.
December 10, 2018
This was a RU listen. I listened to it in bits and pieces over several days. Jarved Nine is being studied for possible colonization. There is an ancient city where aliens lived and then abandoned without explanation. Ravyn is a communication specialist. All her co-workers are murdered. Damon's spec ops team was sent in to find out what happened when his team is mysteriously killed. Damon and Ravyn have to work together to stay ahead of the alien murderer and find a way to kill him first. I thought Ravyn and Damon made a good couple and worked well together.
I thought the narrator was good and I enjoyed the story. I think I would like it more if I gave the audio my full attention. I have it on my list to listen to again.
3.5 - 4.0 ***
I thought the narrator was good and I enjoyed the story. I think I would like it more if I gave the audio my full attention. I have it on my list to listen to again.
3.5 - 4.0 ***
July 18, 2025
The heros team is responding to a distress beacon on the settle of the alien planet when he discovers a massacre. The heroine is the only survivor, terrified and traumatized by the death of all her friends and co-workers, she lives in fear that the creature will return to finish her off. When she realizes the strong and broad hero isn't the killer, she immediately clings to his side as they flee into the vast wilderness.
The hero doesn't know what sort of creature could killer his team his less than 10 minutes without alerting him with any cries for help of other sound but he knows his and the beautiful woman who he protects lives are in grave danger. He expected her to fall apart both mentally and psychically after everything she's gone through and the demanding pace he sets in their escape. But instead, she's stronger than any woman he's ever met. He is astonished at both her level of cardio and her wiliness to push herself hard and hard to be less of a burden. He feels extremely protective of her.
They are the last 2 humans alive on this planet with a dangerous alien on their trail, he has cause for concern. As the days pass and the heroine's body becomes stronger and her ability to ease her own mind about the killing begins to sooth her mind, the sexual attraction comes into play.
The hero is quite the specimen. He is special ops so he's totally ripped and he carries his confidence in a way that assures her he will be able to handle every situation. Back in the beginning of their journey, she used her parents are motivation to keep pushing forward but she also used the hero himself. She doesn't want to be a burden to him and she strives to A. listen to his directives and B, match his pace. Only now, she's really attracted to the man who is his only companion in this whole world. But it's not just availability, something about this man makes her know that if they met on the street her feelings would be the same.
When he's hurt she feels true terror and when he touches her she feels fire across her whole body. As dirty as they are, with the mud caked to their bodies to through of their scent, the hero and heroine fight their sexual attraction until they arrive at the Lost City. There in the walls of the protected and magical place they lose themselves to the love and desire that's developed between them. With the weapon in hand needed to kill this evil creature, they must truly surrender themselves to their destiny if they are to survive.
I loved about 85% of this book. The action pack paced set from the jump when they escape the compound into the woods and the subsequent journey filled with suspense and tension, was marvelous. The feeling that this unknown and unseen entity was right on their trail was unnerving but exciting. The heroine was a fantastic woman who pushed herself and resolved herself to being as strong and as useful to the hero as she could and she succeeded. She never complained, she never fell back and she made the hero look at her pride and admiration. I liked her strength because it did not come with sass or stubbornness....even at the Lost City where they felt relatively safe, she only went stubborn when she felt the heros life in danger.
Otherwise, she was able to listen to orders and keep up with the special ops hero. He was a man who appeared to be in control of this whole situation even if he wasn't. He inspired perseverance in his female companion and in turn, he was willing to protect her with his life. They had a lovely relationship filled with trust and understanding. They helped one another out in times of need and when they were able, surrendered to the desire and love between them.
The other 15% was spent on the heroine's brother and his story which I liked but felt definitely needed it's own separate book. Also, the ending was weak and the final battle with this creature that's been hunting him for the entire book was rushed and unsatisfying, It was a good book over all, some flaws but otherwise good.
The hero doesn't know what sort of creature could killer his team his less than 10 minutes without alerting him with any cries for help of other sound but he knows his and the beautiful woman who he protects lives are in grave danger. He expected her to fall apart both mentally and psychically after everything she's gone through and the demanding pace he sets in their escape. But instead, she's stronger than any woman he's ever met. He is astonished at both her level of cardio and her wiliness to push herself hard and hard to be less of a burden. He feels extremely protective of her.
They are the last 2 humans alive on this planet with a dangerous alien on their trail, he has cause for concern. As the days pass and the heroine's body becomes stronger and her ability to ease her own mind about the killing begins to sooth her mind, the sexual attraction comes into play.
The hero is quite the specimen. He is special ops so he's totally ripped and he carries his confidence in a way that assures her he will be able to handle every situation. Back in the beginning of their journey, she used her parents are motivation to keep pushing forward but she also used the hero himself. She doesn't want to be a burden to him and she strives to A. listen to his directives and B, match his pace. Only now, she's really attracted to the man who is his only companion in this whole world. But it's not just availability, something about this man makes her know that if they met on the street her feelings would be the same.
When he's hurt she feels true terror and when he touches her she feels fire across her whole body. As dirty as they are, with the mud caked to their bodies to through of their scent, the hero and heroine fight their sexual attraction until they arrive at the Lost City. There in the walls of the protected and magical place they lose themselves to the love and desire that's developed between them. With the weapon in hand needed to kill this evil creature, they must truly surrender themselves to their destiny if they are to survive.
I loved about 85% of this book. The action pack paced set from the jump when they escape the compound into the woods and the subsequent journey filled with suspense and tension, was marvelous. The feeling that this unknown and unseen entity was right on their trail was unnerving but exciting. The heroine was a fantastic woman who pushed herself and resolved herself to being as strong and as useful to the hero as she could and she succeeded. She never complained, she never fell back and she made the hero look at her pride and admiration. I liked her strength because it did not come with sass or stubbornness....even at the Lost City where they felt relatively safe, she only went stubborn when she felt the heros life in danger.
Otherwise, she was able to listen to orders and keep up with the special ops hero. He was a man who appeared to be in control of this whole situation even if he wasn't. He inspired perseverance in his female companion and in turn, he was willing to protect her with his life. They had a lovely relationship filled with trust and understanding. They helped one another out in times of need and when they were able, surrendered to the desire and love between them.
The other 15% was spent on the heroine's brother and his story which I liked but felt definitely needed it's own separate book. Also, the ending was weak and the final battle with this creature that's been hunting him for the entire book was rushed and unsatisfying, It was a good book over all, some flaws but otherwise good.
March 3, 2012
The first half was great, but the second half? Gah. Honestly, it seemed like it evolved from Alien (with a touch of Resident Evil) to Starship Troopers (with a touch of Jesus Christ Superstar without the musical bits).
Well, actually, the second half is pretty much an expansion of the psychic-communicating-with-a-monster scene from Starship Troopers with the 1960s-era free-love philosophy thrown in. ONLY LOVE CAN SLAY THE EVIL! It'd have been a keeper if it wasn't for this.
Well, actually, the second half is pretty much an expansion of the psychic-communicating-with-a-monster scene from Starship Troopers with the 1960s-era free-love philosophy thrown in. ONLY LOVE CAN SLAY THE EVIL! It'd have been a keeper if it wasn't for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2019
Ravyn Verdier has grown up in a futuristic time in America. She's now part of a CAT team investigating another planet for future colonization. One day she returns from repairing some comm equipment to discover her 19 fellow workers have been murdered and mutilated. In shock, she tries to hide when she hears noises. The noise turns out to be Damon Brody and 6 men on his special ops team who are responding to an emergency transmission. While Brody is caring for Ravyn, his men are taking care of the bodies. When Ravyn and Brody emerge, all of his men have also been killed and they know they need to get out of there. They escape to the "old city" although not without both getting injured and sighting the alien killer. In the old city, they're given help in fighting the killer by former inhabitants who left a message. Ravyn's step-brother shows up with another spec ops team and together Ravy, Dam, Alex (bro) and best friend Stacey defeat the demon. Very well done, different but believable. Well done sex scenes. Interesting book - I'd be interested in reading other books by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
the novel was decent. I liked their chemistry and that they relied on each other to survive. just didn't think the sub plot of her brother liking a girl was necessary as well as the magic of the city. it added nothing to the story line.
January 13, 2020
the plot is so enchanting i couldn't stop reading till i was done
January 7, 2017
Good. There where some questions left unanswered but it was still a good book. :)
September 28, 2010
Ok for science fiction, but too light on romance for me.
It reminded me of a star trek adventure. I was expecting more romance and would have preferred more. Instead, it was primarily about an evil alien on a far away planet who could use mind control over humans and then kill them. Two humans are on the run, trying to escape from the alien.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
The humans later learn that by using their own psychic powers and the power of love they could prevail over the alien. I didn't like three assumptions and actions of Damon. He delayed becoming intimate with Ravyn because he believed she would hate him for it when they eventually returned to earth, which was not true at all. He was told that only by acting together, could he and Ravyn defeat the alien. Yet he planned to go after the alien alone, which meant he would die because the alien could easily control his mind without Ravyn's help. Later when Alex comes to help and rescue them, Damon does not tell Alex the details about how to defeat the alien, which he should have.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: sometime in the future on a planet named Jarved Nine. Copyright: 2002. Genre: science fiction with a little romance thrown in.
It reminded me of a star trek adventure. I was expecting more romance and would have preferred more. Instead, it was primarily about an evil alien on a far away planet who could use mind control over humans and then kill them. Two humans are on the run, trying to escape from the alien.
CAUTION SPOILERS:
The humans later learn that by using their own psychic powers and the power of love they could prevail over the alien. I didn't like three assumptions and actions of Damon. He delayed becoming intimate with Ravyn because he believed she would hate him for it when they eventually returned to earth, which was not true at all. He was told that only by acting together, could he and Ravyn defeat the alien. Yet he planned to go after the alien alone, which meant he would die because the alien could easily control his mind without Ravyn's help. Later when Alex comes to help and rescue them, Damon does not tell Alex the details about how to defeat the alien, which he should have.
Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: four. Setting: sometime in the future on a planet named Jarved Nine. Copyright: 2002. Genre: science fiction with a little romance thrown in.
January 11, 2011
Re-read Jan 2011
Original review: 1/2010
This is the 1st book in O'Sheas Jarved 9 series. Very very good and explained a few things that I was somewhat confused about in Eternal Nights. I'm an absolute sucker for a rescue storyline and this had every element that made it good: lone survivor, hunky alpha rescuer, unbelievable danger, intense passion and a good storyline.
My ONLY problem with the book was that the heroine is described as having brownish black hair and in her mid 20s with the hero being a buff military man with short hair and an imposing presence, in his late 20s, early 30s. The cover depicts a red haired woman who appears to be about 35 to 40 with a young stud who has hair down to his shoulder blades. It was very distracting to try and reconcile the cover to the characters.
Original review: 1/2010
This is the 1st book in O'Sheas Jarved 9 series. Very very good and explained a few things that I was somewhat confused about in Eternal Nights. I'm an absolute sucker for a rescue storyline and this had every element that made it good: lone survivor, hunky alpha rescuer, unbelievable danger, intense passion and a good storyline.
My ONLY problem with the book was that the heroine is described as having brownish black hair and in her mid 20s with the hero being a buff military man with short hair and an imposing presence, in his late 20s, early 30s. The cover depicts a red haired woman who appears to be about 35 to 40 with a young stud who has hair down to his shoulder blades. It was very distracting to try and reconcile the cover to the characters.
August 17, 2009
Even readers who don't normally go for futuristics (like me) will be completely drawn into this story from the very first page and will (also like me) be unable to put it down. Fast-paced, vivid and original, Ravyn's Flight is the very best that the genre has to offer. The elemental conflict of one couple versus an unknown killer is riveting-- I bit my fingernails to nubs during the first couple of chapters! The narrative is rich and compelling; the characters are charming and believable; you can't help but fall in love with them. Extremely polished writing for a first book-- can't wait to read more from this author.
May 27, 2015
I didn't expect to like this book. I mean, look at the cover - yeesh. But I loved it! (And the people on the cover have nothing to do with the characters) Set on a colony planet with a mass murderer on the loose. Only two people survive and they must make their way to an ancient alien city to survive. Reminds me just a tiny bit of the Harmony series by Jayne Castle with a splash of Aliens and a very healthy dose of romance and trust. Really a good read. I think I'll look for others in the series.
August 25, 2010
I love this book and have read it many times. It had a great sense of danger mixed with the immediate attraction of the main characters. I have this in paperback but desperately want it for my kindle, sadly very few of Patti's books have been released here in the UK in kindle format, I hope this changes very soon.
December 1, 2010
it just got so ridiculous in the last 90 pages that I almost put it aside. I hate it when books don't show their true ridiculousness until I put in a great deal of time in reading it. (in short--sf goes to paranormal-land, which I didn't really expect)
April 30, 2012
I think I was feeling generous when I gave this book a four-star rating. It was an enjoyable read. There was a little more romance than I like in my sci-ri romance, though. It's a keeper, but I think it deserves more around a 3 to 3.5 rating.
November 21, 2013
This was a decent twofer romance (well maybe a romance and a half romance).
February 28, 2014
This book is romance meets Aliens (the Sigorney Weaver variety.) There are parts of this that are downright scary. I loved it and I'm going to read the whole series!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 19 reviews